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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Every summer, Minnesota becomes a mini-mecca for football. It is where NFL players hone skills and up-and-comers dream of being invited into that fraternity.

The mayor of the gridiron town is Larry Fitzgerald Jr. It’s his vision that made it and it’s his attitude that keeps him coming back.

“I’m always trying to get better. I’m always trying to improve on my craft and make things more difficult,” Fitzgerald said. “I want to make this as hard and as strenuous and time-consuming and grueling as I possibly can to make when I get out there on Sundays as easy as possible.”

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. he doesn’t just play football. He’s an ambassador for football.

“I always grew up watching the Vikings and I remember how Cris Carter would lead. He was a little more demonstrative and had a lot more to say than I do. I just try to lead by example. I kind of figure out what makes each guy tick, how you can talk to them. Some guys need to be coddled. Some guys need affirmation all the time to build their confidence. I kind of try to figure out what each guy needs and I try to lead that way,” Fitzgerald Jr. said.

But no matter how good of a leader you are, Fitzgerald Jr. says you need more than that.

“The only way you gain respect in our business is doing it on Sundays and working throughout the week. You have to gain that credibility. Once you do that, I think guys respect you and listen to you and hear what you have to say,” Fitzgerald Jr. said.